~ Illustrations & Odd Facts

Tag Archives: Madame Popova

Madame Alexe Popova (1879-1909) murdered over 300 men over 30 years near her home in Samara, Russia. She may have taken her “cause” a wee bit far, but the purpose of her murder-for-hire business was to “free unhappy wives from their tyrant husbands.”

She charged small fees to women in Russia who were being abused or “held captive” by their cruel husbands- using mostly poison to carry out her work. Popova would become familiar with the victim and then slip him poisoned food or drink after gaining their trust. (After a few glasses of vodka, I’d trust anyone.)

Alexe was caught when a remorseful wife had second thoughts and reported it to the police. When captured, Popova made a full confession and never showed a bit of remorse- even appearing boastful about her good work. She also said she was justified for her actions and never killed a woman.

She was saved from an angry mob (of mostly men, I’m sure) but eventually executed by firing range in St. Petersburg.

do svidaniya.

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Nerd is the Word!

I love studying quirky history, so illustrating the people I research makes me one happy nerd girl. Did you know Queen Victoria had Bishopophobia? or that when Elizabeth of Russia died, they found 15,000 dresses in her uh... closet?

It's good stuff- and I plan to illustrate all the royal weirdos I can find.

All illustrations are my personal property- if you'd like to use them, just ask!